The Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) batsman Mandeep Singh has become the first active Indian cricketer to extend his support to the farmers in their ongoing protests. Mandeep was joined by his elder brother Harvinder Singh at the Delhi border
The Punjab Ranji captain, who has played three T20Is for India, visited Delhi's Singhu border and expressing his solidarity to the protests, Mandeep told TOI: "I went there to show my support to all the senior citizens, who are peacefully protesting in this biting cold".
Mandeep joined the increasing list of high profile personalities from the state including boxer Vijender Singh. Punjab boxers Kaur Singh, Gurbaksh Singh Sandhu, and Jaipal Singh had even decided to return their Padam Shri, Dronacharya Award, and Arjuna Award respectively.
Mandeep, who recently lost his father when he was playing the IPL in the UAE added, "If my father would have been alive, he would have also joined the protests. He must be a proud father because his sons did their bit," he said as quoted by TOI.
Earlier, Indian-origin pro-wrestlers Jinder Mahal (Raj Dhesi), Samir Singh (Harv Sihra), and Sunil Singh (Gurv Sihra) too took to Instagram to extend their support.
While Dhesi, a former WWE Champion, posted an image from the protest; the Sihra brothers posted throwback photos from their time in Punjab, also stating they stand with the farmers of India.
Thousands of farmers from Punjab and Haryana took to the roads and have stayed at various Delhi border points for over a week, protesting against the new farm laws. The law which the farmer's fear will dismantle the minimum support price system, leaving them at the "mercy" of big corporates.
The protests by farmers are against The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.